Movable Jaw (e.g., Contractible Socket) Patents (Class 285/322)
  • Patent number: 6764102
    Abstract: A tube joint comprises a joint body which is provided with an attachment/detachment mechanism for attaching/detaching a fluid tube and which is formed of a resin material, and a bellows section which has annular projections and annular recesses alternately formed to be continuous in an axial direction and which disperses external force (impact force) applied to an outer surface of the joint body to avoid any concentration of stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takumi Ezura
  • Patent number: 6764107
    Abstract: The present invention is a pre-assembled fitting or coupling having a body, a sleeve, and a nut. One end of the nut has a through bore that is tapered and decreases in diameter toward the end of the nut. The outer surface of the sleeve is tapered as well which facilitates the radial movement of the sleeve segments upon tightening locking the sleeve segments into the proper position on the corrugated tubing. The body contains an inner seal surface with improved geometry that effectively concentrates the sealing load over a pre-determined surface and prevents overloading of the seal surface area. The sleeve of the present invention is divided into four separate segments. The inner surface of the sleeve contains an annular spring. The spring on the inner surface facilitates the removal of the corrugated tube from the nut and coupling body by forcing the segments outward upon loosening the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventors: Hassan Obahi, John J. Pavlovich
  • Publication number: 20040130144
    Abstract: A coupler for coupling a male end of a hose to a female end of a faucet or another hose. In the first embodiment, the female end of the coupler is mechanically locked in sealing engagement with a male end by simply translation thereof by means of wedges and an outer retaining sleeve. In a second embodiment, hydraulic pressure provides the final seal, with the female end being a spring split-ring locked and compressed by means of an outer locking sleeve, which outer locking sleeve is released by squeezing it in order to deform it. A third embodiment combines the first and second embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald Cronley
  • Patent number: 6749233
    Abstract: A sleeve-type pipe joint 10 has a joint body 11 having a cylindrical projection 12 adapted to be inserted into a pipe 40 to be connected; a ring member 20 having a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of the pipe 40; and a resiliently deformable, cylindrical sleeve member 30 moved into a space between the ring member 20 and the pipe 40, at least one of an inner surface of the ring member 20 and an outer surface of the sleeve member 30 being provided with a tapered portion, such that when the sleeve member 30 is moved into the ring member 20, the sleeve member 30 is deformed inward, resulting in tight connection of the inner surface of the pipe 40 to the outer surface of the cylindrical projection 12. When the ring member 20, the sleeve member 30, and the joint body 11 are assembled, the ring member 20 and the sleeve member 30 resist detachment from the assembled pipe joint 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ohya
  • Publication number: 20040108712
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a body and a tube constrictor. The body has a center through hole for liquid to flow through, and a constrictor groove formed in the center through hole and an O-shaped ring fitted in the constrictor groove. The constrictor groove has an innermost wall, an intermediate straight wall and an outer-sloped wall orderly arranged. The tube constrictor is made integral, having a plurality of elastic petals spaced apart with gaps and each petal has a clamp member formed on an inner wall of its inner end for tightly pushing against the outer surface of a tube inserted in the center hole of the tube constrictor and a pointed tip formed at a lower end of each petal. Then the tube constrictor may loosen the tube to be pulled out and inserted in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Tsai Tzu Liang
  • Publication number: 20040100097
    Abstract: A tube joint comprises a nut member which connects a tube to a joint body, collet sections which fasten the tube by fastening pawls for being pressed radially inwardly by a pressing section of the nut member to bite into an outer circumferential surface of a diametrally expanded section of the tube, and an annular projection which abuts against an annular step of the joint body and which regulates a screwing amount of the nut member on the joint body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino
  • Publication number: 20040080161
    Abstract: A recessed portion is formed on an outer periphery of a cylindrical joint body to be inserted into a joint mounting hole of a fluid pressure apparatus. A pull-out preventing ring which is formed separately from the joint body can be deformed elastically in a radial direction, and has one or more annular edge(s) on an outer peripheral face which is fitted in the recessed portion and over the outer periphery of the joint body. The annular edge(s) of the pull-out preventing ring is(are) locked to a hole wall of the joint mounting hole when a force in such a direction as to pull out the pipe joint acts on the pipe joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsushita
  • Patent number: 6722702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupler, in which a guard cap coupled to a high-frequency heat-sealed cap member is additionally provided at both ends of the body member to prevent the collator and the tube from separating from the body member and cut off foreign matter from flowing into the body member, and the color of the guard cap is made different to make it easy to identify from outside the contents flowing in the tube. The coupler comprises a coupling member 200 and 200a having a plurality of guide protrusions 210 and 210a that are formed at predetermined lengths and regularly spaced intervals and extended along the outer rim of a cap member 12 and stop protuberance 220 that is bent-formed at one end portion of the guide protrusions 210 and 210a; and a guard cap 100 that is coupled to said coupling member 200 and 200a so as to prevent the collator 30 and the tube 20 from being separated from the body member 11 by external force and foreign matter from infiltrating into said tube 20 from outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: DMT Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Choe Min-Cheol
  • Publication number: 20040061329
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tube coupling comprising a coupling body having a throughway open at one end to receive an end portion of the tube and having an internal cam surface tapering towards the open end in which a collet is located for locking a tube in the coupling body by engagement with the tapered cam surface. The coupling body has a main body portion the throughway of which receives the end of the tube and a stop to limit the insertion of the collet and an end cap in screw threaded engagement with the main body having an open end into the throughway and the tapered cam surface. The cap is retained on the main body by an annular diaphragm encircling the body which engages in a wide slot formed in the inner periphery of the cap. The diaphragm snaps into the slot when the cap is screwed onto the main body portion to a first position in which a tube can be inserted through the collet into the coupling body and released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: John Guest International Limited.
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Publication number: 20040051315
    Abstract: A pipe coupling (10) for joining together the ends of two adjacent pipes includes a housing (12) which defines a generally central bore (13) along a central axis of the housing for receiving the ends of the two adjacent pipes, and a locking arrangement (14) at each end of the housing (12) for locking the pipes to the coupling. Each locking arrangement (14) includes an annular chamber (23) within the housing, an inlet for allowing fluid into the chamber, an outlet for allowing fluid out of the chamber, and an annular seal (24) which is arranged to move within the annular chamber axially of the housing. A locking ring (26) is provided between the annular seal (24) and a plurality of radially movable grippers (30) for locking the grippers to a pipe end within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Malcolm Thomas Barker
  • Patent number: 6688653
    Abstract: A fitting assembly for fluid and vapor connection comprising a first tube, a second tube and a thin strip of polymeric material. A male member is formed at the end of the first tube. A hollow female body is formed at end of the second tube. The male member is received in the female body. The strip of polymeric material has a layer of adhesive applied to one surface of the strip. The strip is bonded to the male member and unbonded to the female body. The strip is compressed between the male member and the female body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles D. Thrift, Darren Meacham
  • Patent number: 6679527
    Abstract: A serviceable design for a pressure vessel or reservoir includes a removable retainer accessible from a location external to the reservoir. Many existing, commercially available components can be used with only slight modification while providing ease of access to repair/replace seal members if so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Fred Hoffman, Leonard Quinn
  • Publication number: 20040000788
    Abstract: A coupler for coupling a male end of a hose to a female end of a faucet or another hose. In the first embodiment, the female end of the coupler is mechanically locked in sealing engagement with a male end by simply translation thereof by means of wedges and an outer retaining sleeve. In a second embodiment, hydraulic pressure provides the final seal, with the female end being a spring split-ring locked and compressed by means of an outer locking sleeve, which outer locking sleeve is released by squeezing it in order to deform it. A third embodiment combines the first and second embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald Cronley
  • Patent number: 6663146
    Abstract: A single flare tube, and a joint structure of the single flare tube makes a flare of the single flare tube hardly deformed plastically. Additionally, a tensile stress remains lower and is lower when the single flare tube is fastened. A joint structure of the single flare tube coupled with a union includes a single flare tube having a tube and a flare, a flare nut having a thread and a through-hole that receives the tube of the single flare tube, and a union having a thread for coupling with the thread of the flare nut. A width of a narrow inner circumferential groove of a radially outward extending part of the flare is substantially zero and stays substantially zero when the single flare tube is pushed against and coupled with the union by fastening the threads of the flare nut and the union together. Additionally, an internal diameter of the inner circumferential groove preferably is smaller than an external diameter of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomotsugu Sakai, Hiroyuki Iguchi, Toshihide Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030227169
    Abstract: A connector for connecting plastic tubing includes a receiver having a captured ring seal, the ring seal for compressively forming a fluid seal when in engagement with the plastic tubing; and a plurality of inward directed angled fingers disposed in the receiver for compressively engaging the tubing, a force being exertable by the fingers on the tubing, the force acting to resist withdrawal of the tubing from engagement with the fingers. A method of connecting is further included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: PentaPure Incorporated
    Inventors: Karl Fritze, Brian D. Gale
  • Publication number: 20030201643
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tube coupling comprising a coupling body having a throughway open at one end to receive an end portion of a tube. A seal encircles the throughway to seal with the outer face and end of the tube and a cap mounted on the body having a tube locking device to engage and hold the tube in the coupling body. The cap and body having interengaging means which guide the cap on the body for rotation and simultaneous axial movement between a first position on the coupling body and a second position further along the body such that when the cap is in the first position the tube can be inserted through the cap into the seal in the throughway and held therein by the locking device and on rotating the cap into the second position, the tube held by the locking device is forced against the seal in the throughway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Publication number: 20030197375
    Abstract: A fitting connector for a pressure vessel including a bushing for mounting within an aperture defined in a pressure vessel wall. The bushing includes a cylindrical bushing body having a head portion at one end thereof and including at least a pair of locking members for engaging along an interior surface of the pressure vessel wall. The locking members are provided with a contoured surface for engaging with detent members formed on the interior of the pressure vessel wall whereby the bushing is positively locked in a predetermined rotational orientation on the pressure vessel wall and is retained in place until a predetermined torque force is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Carlton Pickering
  • Patent number: 6626467
    Abstract: A fitting assembly for joining a double containment pipe (DCP), including primary and secondary pipes, to a double containment fitting, including primary and secondary fittings, wherein the secondary fitting has a larger diameter than the secondary pipe. A sealing reducer has a larger diameter end for fitting over the secondary fitting and a smaller diameter end for fitting over the secondary pipe. The sealing reducer is fit over the secondary pipe, the primaries of the DCP and double containment fitting are joined, and then the sealing reducer is positioned over the primary joint and its smaller and larger diameter ends sealed, either by adhesive or a combination of interlocking threaded fitting components and O-rings, to the ends of the secondary pipe and secondary fitting, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ameron international Corporation
    Inventors: Joie L. Folkers, Ralph S. Friedrich, Gordon G. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20030178845
    Abstract: A male coaxial connector adapted for receiving a female connection member. The male coaxial connector defines an axial direction along its major axis. The male coaxial connector includes a spring basket biased towards an open position which is positioned around a male connection member. The spring basket is adapted for engaging the female connection member. The male coaxial connector also includes a sleeve reciprocally positioned around the spring basket and the male connection member. The sleeve is movable in the axial direction with respect to the spring basket such that when the sleeve is in a forward position or rearward position with respect to the spring basket, the spring basket is in an open position. The female connection member can be released from or inserted into the spring basket when the spring basket is in its open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: Andrew Corporation
    Inventor: Nahid Islam
  • Publication number: 20030178846
    Abstract: A tube joint comprises a joint body which is provided with an attachment/detachment mechanism for attaching/detaching a fluid tube and which is formed of a resin material, and a bellows section which has annular projections and annular recesses alternately formed to be continuous in an axial direction and which disperses external force (impact force) applied to an outer surface of the joint body to avoid any concentration of stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takumi Ezura
  • Publication number: 20030168857
    Abstract: A frame is used to land on a base and soft land a connector receptacle on the end of a flowline to a mandrel protruding from the base. After the frame lands on the base, the frame and the receptacle are pushed toward the base, which causes frame latching members to latch the frame to the base. The frame holds the base and the receptacle is still above the mandrel. The frame and receptacle are pushed further towards the base and the connector receptacle abuts the mandrel. The connector receptacle moves relative to the frame as the frame is pushed closer to the base, which causes an actuator on the frame to move dogs on the receptacle to engage the mandrel and lock the receptacle to the mandrel. The frame can move away from the mandrel and continue to be latched to the base while disengaging the receptacle from the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Edward Jennings
  • Patent number: 6616196
    Abstract: A coupling having means which inhibit separation which is provided for transferring fluid, especially for refueling vehicles. The coupling includes a tubular housing, at least one locking element, in particular, a plurality of expandable collects having an engagement profile for connecting to a correspondingly constructed connection nipple. The coupling also includes a piston, which can be displaced relative to the housing and which can be fixed, especially for being placed on the connection nipple. The piston is subject to the action of a spring opposite of the direction of connection in order to adjust the separation prevention force in relation to the housing of the coupling and is mounted such that it can be displaced opposite of the direction of connection in relation to the locked piston in order to release the engagement of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Erwin Weh, Wolfgang Weh
  • Publication number: 20030160449
    Abstract: A device for locking a cap nut for a coupling includes a hooking plate 100 extended out of the body 50 connected to the metallic connecting pipe 21, a plurality of hooking protrusions 110 protruded from the hooking plate 100 at a regular space, and a plurality of hooking grooves 200 formed at a position facing the hooking protrusion 110 and engaged with the hooking protrusion 110 to prevent the cap nut 40 from being released when screwing the cap nut 40, so as to prevent the cap nut 40 from being released, so eventually securely assembling the connecting pipes 21 not to be separated from the coupling 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Choe Min-Cheol
  • Patent number: 6609734
    Abstract: A connector for the connection of pressure vessels utilizing toroidal surfaces to achieve a maximum of contact area sliding parallel to motion of locking segment when achieving high preload to minimize high stress contact points and the resultant wear when subjected to multiple operations and orientation means to cause any wear to be repeatedly in the same area such that selected critical areas will not be subjected to high contact stress wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Publication number: 20030151254
    Abstract: A connector for the connection of pressure vessels utilizing toroidal surfaces to achieve a maximum of contact area sliding parallel to motion of locking segment when achieving high preload to minimize high stress contact points and the resultant wear when subjected to multiple operations and orientation means to cause any wear to be repeatedly in the same area such that selected critical areas will not be subjected to high contact stress wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Patent number: 6592151
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member comprises at least one of an integral coupling member integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and an independent coupling member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a mating surface on the second member to substantially inhibit the entry of contamination into an area between the first and second members when connected. The present invention provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both an independent female member and an integral female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Aeroquip, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Densel, Stephen D. Hargett, Philip C. VanRiper, Todd J. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20030122372
    Abstract: A tube joint includes a body into which a fluid tube is inserted, a chuck which is arranged in the body and which engages with an outer circumferential surface of the fluid tube to retain the fluid tube, fastening pawls which are disposed on an inner circumference of the chuck facing the fluid tube and which protrude while being inclined by predetermined angles, curved sections which are depressed by predetermined lengths in a direction in which the fluid tube is pulled, recesses which are formed in the curved sections, and a release bush which releases the fluid tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Patent number: 6578879
    Abstract: A ring member and ring members made of metal are tightened and installed to the outer circumferential surface of a body made of a resin material. Accordingly, the body is prevented from outward deformation. When a tube joint is used in a high temperature atmosphere, even if any force acts on a fluid tube in the direction to cause detachment from the tube joint due to any external force or the pressure fluid flowing through the inside of the tube joint, then the fluid tube and a connecting member inserted into the body are reliably prevented from disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Patent number: 6575500
    Abstract: A device for connecting a pipe socket, a tubular mounting part or a fitting (3) to a pipe (10), especially a water pipe. The inventive device comprises a connecting part (7). A first end (7a) of the connecting part is to be connected to a pipe (10) by a press connection, and a second end (7b) of the connecting part is to be connected to the pipe socket, mounting part or fitting (3). The second end (7b) of the connecting part (7) forms a plug-connection with a receiving part (4) of the pipe socket, the tubular mounting part or the fitting (3). After the press-connection is provided, the connecting part (7) is merely plugged in to connect a pipe (10), for example, to a mounting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Hansruedi Wili
  • Publication number: 20030102667
    Abstract: A plug connection for hoses or pipes as for connecting washing fluid conduits in a motor vehicle comprises a plug receiving member for receiving a connecting plug portion. The connecting plug portion can be latched in the plug receiving member in such a way as to be secured against forces acting axially thereon. The plug receiving member has resilient or spring-loaded latching portions. A securing sleeve is arranged axially slidably on the outside of the plug receiving member. In a first position of the securing sleeve the latching portions are held in a receiving and latching position in which a connecting plug portion can be inserted into and latched in the plug receiving member. In a second position of the securing sleeve it permits the latching portions to move resiliently into a retracted open position for disengagement of an inserted connecting plug portion from the plug receiving member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Andreas Weller, Frank Breidenich, Rolf Janssen, Gregor Zielinski, Juergen Moitzheim, Juergen Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20030098584
    Abstract: A radial conduit coupling is provided. The conduit coupling may include a tubular first connector having an exterior diameter, an interior diameter and first and second ends. The first end may be adapted to receive a first conduit. The second end may include at least one locking lug configured to cooperate with at least one shaped cavity associated with a component of a conduit system. The locking lug may extend from at least one tab lock disposed at the second end of the first connector. In one embodiment, a protrusion may extend from the interior diameter and generally separate the first end from the second end. The protrusion may include an interior diameter which generally corresponds to the interior diameter of the first conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: John T. Minemyer
  • Publication number: 20030090105
    Abstract: A connecting fitting used for fixing longitudinal bodies to perforations or openings, especially in the wall of a housing, which include retaining projecting elements that engage with the edge of the perforation from the rear, and a stop in the form of a plastic ring which, in use, lies on a side of the opening opposite the edge of the opening that is engaged from the rear. The elastic ring is supported by a surface of the connecting fitting which expands from an area adjacent the opening from inside toward outside in an oblique manner, whereby the ring can be moved and displaced axially when the diameter is elastically enlarged, in order to account for different wall thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Mario Bartholoma, Fritz Zugel, Volker Gotz, Philipp Gerber
  • Patent number: 6554323
    Abstract: A socketless fitting for releasable connection of a pressurized line. The fitting has a housing body with a receiving opening to insert one end of the line, and an inner sleeve attached in the housing body in an arrangement that extends coaxially within the receiving opening for engagement into the inserted line end. The inner sleeve is fastened in the housing body media-tight around the periphery by a connector and preferably engages in the line media-tight around the periphery. A clamping element axially movable in the receiving opening cooperates with an inner surface of the housing body to secure the line end onto the inner sleeve. Media-tight outward sealing is accomplished by sealing engagement of the essentially rigidly secured inner sleeve in the line, because the inner sleeve itself is also tightly joined to the housing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Salomon-Bahls, Harald Hagen, Volker Kaminski
  • Patent number: 6554324
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member is disclosed, for example for connecting a riser to a wellhead in a subsea oilfield location. The second tubular member has a seating surface and comprises an engagable locking profile. The connector comprises a housing for securing the connector to the end portion of the first tubular member, the housing comprising a seating surface for contacting the seating surface of the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Herman
  • Patent number: 6551030
    Abstract: An arrangement for connecting tubular articles, particularly piles and pile sleeves, in which a first tube (4) fits into a second tube (2), the first tube having a first circumferential recess (10) and a second circumferential recess (12), and the second tube has a first set of latches (8) and a second set of latches (8′) which are resiliently biased to engage in the first and second recesses respectively. When the latches and the recesses are mutually engaged, axial movement is prevented by abutments in the recesses and the latches by one set of latches in one direction and the other set of latches in the opposite axial direction. Latching engagement is only possible when the first set of latches is opposite the first recess and the second set opposite the second recess. This ensures positive connection and the use of preferred elements (30) which extend from one set of latches through the outer casing of the second tube. A mechanism can be provided to readily unlatch the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Britannia Engineering Consultancy Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter James Curry
  • Publication number: 20030067165
    Abstract: A ring member and ring members made of metal are tightened and installed to the outer circumferential surface of a body made of a resin material. Accordingly, the body is prevented from outward deformation. When a tube joint is used in a high temperature atmosphere, even if any force acts on a fluid tube in the direction to cause detachment from the tube joint due to any external force or the pressure fluid flowing through the inside of the tube joint, then the fluid tube and a connecting member inserted into the body are reliably prevented from disengagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Publication number: 20030067164
    Abstract: A serviceable design for a pressure vessel or reservoir includes a removable retainer accessible from a location external to the reservoir. Many existing, commercially available components can be used with only slight modification while providing ease of access to repair/replace seal members if so desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Company
    Inventors: Fred Hoffman, Leonard Quinn
  • Patent number: 6536807
    Abstract: A detachable coupling includes a housing having wall, an end that has an inner wall, and a receiving space that has an opening in the end. The opening and the receiving space receives a tubular insertion part that has a retaining rib. An indicating part is removably mounted to the end of the receiving housing and includes a support ring and a lever. The lever has a free end and a inner end and is pivotally mounted to the support ring and extends into the receiving space. A support projection is positioned on the inner end of the lever and contacts the inner wall. Insertion of the tubular insertion part causes the retaining rib to contact the free end of the lever and results in the pivoting of the lever. Pivoting of the lever disengages the support projection from the inner wall and dismounts the indicating part from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventors: Albert Raymond, Erminio Moretti, Daniel Martin-Cocher, Hans-Jurgen Lesser
  • Patent number: 6513814
    Abstract: A connecting assembly is disclosed having a first component defining an opening, a second component adapted to be retained together with the first component and a connector component made of a superelastic alloy. Relative motion between at least two of the components causes a super-elastic activation of the connector wherein the activation simultaneously retains the components together with the connector interposed jointly therebetween. Preferably the connector component is pre-assembled to one of the first and second components. More preferably, the first component is pre-assembled with the connector and the second component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector. Alternatively, the second component is pre-assembled with the connector and the first component is moved relative to the pre-assembled components to activate the superelastic alloy of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick Michel White
  • Patent number: 6511099
    Abstract: A connection fitting for the fastening of elongated bodies, for example of cables (2) or also hoses, tubes, corrugated hoses and the like, in an opening (3), which can be a through hole or a boring in a wall (4) of a building. The connection fitting includes a clamping collet (9) which, in its operation position, penetrates the opening (3) and is self expanding behind the opening (3), and which, by means of an axial retraction opposite to the direction of insertion, is also radially compressible and thus exerts a clamping force on the elongated body. To effect this motion of retraction, a sheath (11) is provided, which is frictionally connected or force-fit connected with a locking ring (15), which, by rotational movement of the sheath (11) itself turns accordingly and, by its own threading, is axially displaced until the ring (15) abuts the wall (4) on the opening rim (12) and remains there in a stop position. In this way, the respective thickness of the wall (4) is accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Anton Hummel Verwaltungs GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Bartholomä, Fritz Zügel, Volker Götz, Philipp Gerber
  • Patent number: 6511290
    Abstract: A blower for a furnace is provided with an exhaust flange having a compressible end portion, and a flexible fitting adapted to receive an exhaust pipe is insertable into an interior of the exhaust flange. A clamp compresses the compressible end portion about the flexible fitting and the exhaust pipe to secure the exhaust pipe to the blower. A drain may be provided adjacent the compressible end portion to remove condensate which may be entrained in the exhaust gases from the exhaust pipe, exhaust fitting and exhaust flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Jakel Incorporated
    Inventor: William Stuart Gatley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030006610
    Abstract: A barb clamp provides a leakproof connection of a flexible tube in a barbed fitting. The barb clamp includes a collet and sleeve. The barb fitting is configured to fit snugly within the tube. The collet is slid over the tube. Shelves on the interior surface of the collet fit tightly around the tube and under an expanded portion of the barb fitting. The sleeve is then slid over the collet. As the sleeve moves over the collet, tangs on the collet are pushed radially inwardly into the tube and barb fitting. The sleeve is moved over the collet until an annular projection on the interior surface of the sleeve sits within an annular groove of the collet. Radial ledges on the exterior surface of the collet provide a stop and lock to prevent the annular projection on the sleeve to move out of the annular groove of the collet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Albert A. Werth
  • Publication number: 20030001383
    Abstract: A connection device for a fluid line having a connection unit (12) with a sleeve-like insert body (16) placed by plugging in a socket (3) in the metallic holding body (8). On the outer periphery of the insert body (16) anchoring means (18) are provided, which serve for anchoring in the socket (3) and are formed by one or more projections. A retaining ring (24) consisting of synthetic resin material is fixed in an annular groove (25) provided on the inner periphery of the socket (3) so that the retaining ring may bear in either in relation to the holding body (8). The insert body (16) is inserted coaxially into the retaining ring (24) and has its anchoring means (18) biting into the synthetic resin material of the retaining ring (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Wolfgang Halama
  • Patent number: 6499772
    Abstract: A radial conduit coupling is provided. The conduit coupling may include a tubular first connector having an exterior diameter, an interior diameter and first and second ends. The first end may be adapted to receive a first conduit. The second end may include at least one locking lug configured to cooperate with at least one shaped cavity associated with a component of a conduit system. The locking lug may extend from at least one tab lock disposed at the second end of the first connector. In one embodiment, a protrusion may extend from the interior diameter and generally separate the first end from the second end. The protrusion may include an interior diameter which generally corresponds to the interior diameter of the first conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: John T. Minemyer
  • Patent number: 6494494
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member is integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and includes a duct therethrough for receiving the first member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a recessed seat portion of the second member to substantially inhibit the ingression of contaminates into the duct when the first and second members are connected. The foregoing coupling assembly is advantageous because it allows the second member to be formed directly into an apparatus. In other embodiments, the coupling assembly provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both a conventional female member and an integral female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Aeroquip, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J. Vogel, David S. Densel, Philip C. VanRiper
  • Patent number: 6488318
    Abstract: The present invention provides a piping joint and integrated valve with the piping joint, which improve airtight and watertight, maintain connection firm, and keep constant quality regardless repeated user. In connecting part (110, 120) of the joint body (100), the first holes (112, 113), the second packing holes (114, 124) where the first packing rings (170, 180) are inserted, the third holes (116, 126) with a female threaded part inside conjoining the second packing rings (150, 160) and bushes (130, 140), having three holes formed three phases outward on the concentric circle. The first packing rings (170, 180) are made of silicon or Teflon® that is flexible and sustainable against heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Jae Young Shim
  • Patent number: 6488317
    Abstract: A strain relief includes a main body having a bore therein for passage of a cable, wire, conduit, hose, or similar member therethrough. The main body includes a first section having male threads, and a second section including a plurality of cantilevered deflectable prongs extending therefrom. A plurality of slots are located between the prongs, and the prongs decrease in width extending toward distal ends of the prongs. A flexible elastomeric grommet is located within the bore and extends substantially along an entire length of the main body. The grommet includes a cylindrical sidewall and a plurality of spaced-apart annular ribs extending radially inwardly from the sidewall. A plurality of annular grooves are located between the annular ribs. The annular ribs have inside diameters which progressively increase along a length of the grommet in order to accommodate cables of various diameters therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6478343
    Abstract: The invention is directed to self-locking coupling devices which are suitable for connecting conduits, pneumatic line segments, hydraulic line segments, fuel line segments or other fluid line segments tubes, ducts, and the like. The self-locking coupling device consists of a first fitting, a second fitting, and a locking sleeve. The first fitting having a first end connect to a first conduit and a second end for receiving a second fitting attached to a second conduit. The first fitting having a coupling portion and a locking portion. The coupling portion formed with an internal thread section. The locking portion having at least one locking tang attached to the coupling portion and extending to the second end of the first fitting. The at least one locking tang formed with an internal locking shoulder projecting radially inwardly at the second end of the first fitting. The second fitting having a first end and a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Airdrome Parts Co.
    Inventor: Frank Ching King Lee
  • Patent number: 6454314
    Abstract: An elastomeric seal seals a pipe which is held in a push-in part of a plug-in coupling relative to a cylindrical interior surface of a housing of the plug-in coupling, into which the push-in part is pushed together with the pipe. The seal is in prestressed contact with the interior surface of the housing via an outward-facing annular lip and with the pipe via a radially inward-facing annular lip. The elastomeric seal is connectable by positive fitting to the push-in part, this positive fit being lockable by the assembly of the pipe to form a non-releasable connection, the pipe having a cylindrical and uninterrupted exterior circumference in the region of the seal. The joint between the seal and the push-in part is simple to assemble and is lockable by the insertion of the pipe. The connection of the seal to the push-in part may be additionally secured, with certain changes of diameter, by compression of the web-shaped connection between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Grosspietsch, Olaf Pagels, Martin Otto, Volker Stampf, Thomas Riess, Dieter Gebauer, Angelika Ebert
  • Publication number: 20020125721
    Abstract: A connector comprises a casing 20 with a pipe fitting bore 25 to which a pipe P is fitted; a pipe fixing component 30 which slides against the casing and fixed the pipe P when the pipe is fitted to the pipe fitting bore 25; and a seal component 40 that is mounted facing the pipe duct 26 to seal the pipe P. The pipe fixing component 30 is elastically deformed, when the pipe P is fitted, from the temporary stop position at which it is temporarily stopped in the pipe fitting bore 25, and moves to the connecting position where the pipe is fixed, it being possible to externally view whether the pipe fixing component 30 is in the connecting position. The connector requires no checker or the like to check the connection with the pipe P, thus preventing poor seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Tomohisa Imaeda, Mitsutaka Kondo